View Full Version : Hammock Recommendations?
Kickin' Wing
02-24-2009, 18:46
Okay everyone. I'm sure there has been a thread on this already, but as spring approaches, I am looking to upgrade my hammock. I currently have the Travel Hammock Inc., Single wide hammock that I bought from L.L.Bean about 2 years ago. I have had great success with it except that I find it's a little too small -- should have gone with the double -- and I I'm so ready to get one with a bug-net.
Any recos on hammocks that have these features? I found some, but they end up weighing almost as much as a tent. Looking for lightweight.
Thanks!:rolleyes:
SGT Rock
02-24-2009, 19:01
Henessy Hyperlight for the bug net version. I use that in the bug season - the rest of the time I use my own home made hammock.
take-a-knee
02-24-2009, 19:16
Nothing wrong with a Hennessy Hyperlight, I had one before my daughter took it. This hammock is the new rage, it's reviews at hammockforums are anyway:
http://www.warbonnetoutdoors.net/blackbird_h.htm
SGT Rock
02-24-2009, 19:27
Warbonnet's hamock looked cool. Never tried one.
A bridge hammock is the best nights sleep on the trail. Check it out at http://www.jacksrbetter.com/BMBH.htm :sun
Kickin' Wing
02-25-2009, 06:20
The bridge hammock looks bulky with the aluminum rods. I use an Osprey pack with limited space. How small does it pack down?
Check out HammockForums.net.
sasquatch2014
02-25-2009, 08:20
I like my Clark a great deal and have no problem sleeping on either side or back if I choose. I like the side load vs the bottom load of the HH. Mine is a bit heavier as it is really designed so it can be used in all four season with out a need for an underquilt. I have hung in it down into the single digits. It has the bug screen a weather shield and then I upgraded the fly so I can pitch all the way to the ground if I choose or have a big area to cook under.
Warbonnet Blackbird is the one to have right now. I own two Hennesseys and they are great! My Expedition is heavier than I like to carry backpacking. My Backpacker (HULBA) is fine most of the time. But the Blackbird bugnet is removable and it can be ordered with a double bottom to hold your pad so it doesn't slip all over. All that in the same weight as my HULBA... Check it out!
Warbonnet Blackbird is the one to have right now. I own two Hennesseys and they are great! My Expedition is heavier than I like to carry backpacking. My Backpacker (HULBA) is fine most of the time. But the Blackbird bugnet is removable and it can be ordered with a double bottom to hold your pad so it doesn't slip all over. All that in the same weight as my HULBA... Check it out!
I bought a HH backpacker for warm weather hanging. I tried it out in 40* weather and burr cold with no underquilt in a 0*bag. the warbonett will be my next purchase. ZQ will get my HH once I get off my duff and make it a toploader for me.
Jim Obermeyer
02-25-2009, 11:54
http://www.mosquitohammock.com/
Kickin' Wing
02-25-2009, 13:03
I'm digging the mosquitohammock! Given the price, which seems to be much lower than the Expeditions or the bridge hammock, how is it's durability?
Jim Obermeyer
02-25-2009, 13:23
I have the Mosquito Hammock. I had it for a couple of years now and it's held up real nice. I really like it. My friend just bought the Jungle Hammock and it's much bigger. He hasn't tried it out yet but it looks like it has plenty of room. Just email or call, I believe his name is Tom, he seem to be a real straight shooter and will answer all your questions.
optimator
02-25-2009, 13:34
I'm also a first timer looking to try this. I'm leaning towards either the Jungle Hammock or the Warbonnet Blackbird. They both seem pretty fricking sweet. But on the other hand, that $40 Skeeter Beeter Pro might be a better idea, just to get my feet wet. If I don't like hammocking, I'm out little cash. If I do, I'll quickly upgrade & have a spare or loaner.
Kickin' Wing
02-25-2009, 15:35
Like I said in my original post, I have the <a href=http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=49955&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&from=SR&feat=sr (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=49955&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&from=SR&feat=sr)>L.L.Bean Hammock</a> which is only $45. It is a great starter hammock. I used it on the 100-Mile Maine wilderness and had no troubles. I do recommend the double wide for the space, otherwise you feel like your about to slide out.
i'd definetally go with a warbonnet
I just bought a Speer. I had a HH but like the Speer alot more.
peter_pan
02-25-2009, 16:46
To answer the earlier question.... JRB BMBH packs to a roll of 8-10 inches by a 5-6 inch dia.... Most put the spreaders in a side pocket, like tent poles have traveller for years.
But the most important question you should be seeking the answers to is, how to insulate the bottom to avoid cold and other comfort issues?.... Lot of answers out there, yet the prevelance of posts that suffer an initial "rude awaking" is omnipresent... don't go to the "School of hard Knocks"....study, plan and execute before your first hang.
Pan
Have been camping with my Clark Tropical since 2005. I use a 3/4" Thermarest under my sleeping bag, comfortable for temps down into the 30's. The attached photo shows the empty hammock, with four pockets underneath, head to rear. Bought this model with the optional weathershield which stores in the pocket at the top of the foot end and zips over the bug net on either side or both, depending on the weather. Also shown is the Rainfly XL, an optional purchase, which is detached in this setup. I like having the rainfly detached so I can string it up first and then hang the hammock (and take it down) under the protection of the fly - perfect for setting up and taking down in the rain.
Kickin' Wing
02-25-2009, 18:55
How much can you get a Clark Tropical for?
SGT Rock
02-25-2009, 19:05
The bridge hammock looks bulky with the aluminum rods. I use an Osprey pack with limited space. How small does it pack down?
Disagree. I have tried some bridge hammocks and hate them all.
I have a Byer Moskito, a Claytor Expedition, and Warbonnet Blackbird. The Byer was my first, and yes I still love it. It's the lightest at 16oz and very comfortable. I found the Expedition a little small (I'm 6'1", 210lbs), but EXTREMELY well made. Mhy research showed it to be the best of the quality hammocks with double-layer for the price. The Warbonnet is the Cadillac. Roomy, comfortable, and also EXTREMELY well made. I strongly suggest any of them.
How much can you get a Clark Tropical for?
According to Clark's site the Tropical sells for $259:
http://www.junglehammock.com/models/tropical/index.php
Kickin' Wing
02-25-2009, 20:34
The clark is a little on the expensive side. Although, I'm liking the Warbonnet Blackbird. Seems to be well made, offers me plenty of room, and the price is a little more reasonable.
Thanks for everyone's help. I think I have a good idea on how to proceed.
Cheers!
www.smallworldtreks.net (http://www.smallworldtreks.net) "the world is smaller than you think"
Woohoo, another Blackbird convert! You won't be disappointed...